The UCLA Bruins might have dropped in the national ranking, but they have stayed hot in recent games with back-to-back wins. The UCLA side is poised to shatter the WNBA draft record with six Bruins projected in the 2026 class. Every one of those prospects is now responding well to the responsibilities as Kiki Rice and Lauren Betts show their flair on the floor.
Another player who is shining for Cory Close is Gianna Kneepkens, who made a smooth transition from the Utah side to UCLA. Betts also praised her guard.
Lauren Betts Praising Gianna Kneepkens
The UCLA takes control of the Big Ten Conference with a 4-0 run and a 14-1 overall record in the season. While they still have a lot to prove on the floor, they are currently enjoying playing together, as every player is contributing heavily in games.
With the recent game from former Utah guard, Betts said, “It makes my job easier, just more assists for me. Gianna is an amazing player; she is the best shooter in the country. I think just having her around me has helped me so much, and it makes my job easier.”
big kneep best shooter in the country https://t.co/sO72h71foT pic.twitter.com/UP17E80MbC
— MOBILE (@bettsnation) January 10, 2026
Kneepkens is one of the top 3-point scorers in the league at the moment and recorded a 50-40-90 game, which is a rare achievement in the NCAA competition.
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As for the big Center, she was under scrutiny for her offensive performances, which also somewhat affected her defensive game. While Betts dropped down in the WNB draft projections following her early struggles, she managed to hold herself and is now delivering at the highest level. For that, she gave credit to Aliyah Boston.
Lauren Betts Receives Special Advice From Her Idol
The star of the 2024-25 NCAA Season received a special invitation from the USA Senior camp. She met many WNBA superstars. She openly called Aliyah Boston her idol, as the Fever forward made an immense impact on college basketball during her four seasons with the South Carolina side.
Betts said, “She’s telling me ― she’s like, ‘Lauren, I don’t care what happens in the game. If you miss 10 layups, if you’re open to run that midrange, shoot the ball …Trust yourself. So I think to hear it from her, that was really, really cool because she’s obviously an amazing post [player]. She’s had such a great college career.”
UCLA's Lauren Betts reveals 'cool' advice she received from Fever star https://t.co/KldQr2XX6w
— USA TODAY (@USATODAY) January 2, 2026
While AB’s advice certainly worked for the UCLA superstar, they might be facing each other in the WNBA soon, where the rookie will get real training in competitive games.